The information presented below comes from funeral programs. Information about place and date of funeral, place of interment, and funeral home in charge is included. Most of the funeral programs include an obituary which is reproduced. Order of service information, bible verses, poems, and acknowledgments have been omitted. Information about pallbearers, ushers, and flower bearers generally is included if the funeral was held in Decatur or Henderson counties, but is excluded for funerals held elsewhere. The late Novella Tole of Milwaukee provided her collection of funeral programs to share on the internet.

Mary Ella Yarbro Bailey, native of Decatur County, former school teacher & beautician, was born October 13, 1914, oldest child of the late Lessie J. Scott Yarbro and Rupert Yarbro, preceeded in death by her husband James R. Bailey, Sr.

Mr. Samuel (Sam) Booty departed this life July 6, 1973 at 5 a.m. at the Tri-County Convalescent Home, Adamsville, Tennessee. He was born in Decatur County, February 2, 1883, making his stay on this earth 90 years, 5 months and 4 days. He was the son of the late Bill and Sallie Jennings Booty. He professed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined the Church of God in Christ, he worked faithfully for the growth and upbuilding of the church and the community until illness dimmed his power in the last years. He was a member of the Trustee and Steward Boards for many years.

He was married to Miss Vannie White in 1924. To this union 5 children were born, one of which preceded him in death. He was a loving father, friend and neighbor.

Husband, OCIE HAROLD BRASHER, son of Alberta Brasher, was born Friday, June 5, 1936, departed this life, Thursday, July, 10, 1969 at age 33 Yrs, one month and five days. A native of Bathsprings, Tenn., was converted at the age of 12 years at Union Baptist Church. He came to Indianapolis and had been a resident 14 years.

He was united in marriage to Mrs. Maxine Jordan, May 29, 1963.

To mourn his loss, a mother, Mrs. Alberta Brasher, Bathsprings, Tenn; the widow, Mrs. Maxine Brasher, three daughters by a former marriage, Misses Karen Denice, Tony Marie and Sharon Lucille Brasher, all of Indianapolis; three brothers, Coulas and Joseph Arthur, both of Indianapolis and Booker Franklin Brasher, Bathsprings, Tenn., six sisters, Jessie Lee Walker and Willie Mae Walker, both of Selmer, Tenn., Helen Louise Green, Kansas City, Kans., Joann Brasher, Henderson, Tenn., Hazel Mae Tale and Linda Doris Tinsley, both of Bathsprings, Tenn. and a host of other relatives and friends.

Floyd Lucien Buck was born in McKenzie, Tennessee, of the late Lena Blanch Frierson Buck and Charles Harvard Buck. Entered Fisk University at about the age of fifteen years, was graduated with Cum Laude in the year 1926; was President of his class; received Bachelor of Arts degree.

He travelled with the President of Fisk University, Dr. Elsie Jones and the Jubilee Singers on a financial tour, having canvassed four states.

He professed religion at an early age and united with the Missionary Baptist church, for the past seven years and was a deacon.

Survivors are his father, Prof. C. H. Buck of Huntingdon; sister, Theodosia of Huntingdon, brother Frank of Baltimore, Md.; two aunts, Mrs. Queenie Snead of Columbia, Tenn., and Mrs. Ida Siegler of St. Louis, Mo.; two uncles and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his passing.

At his death he was principal of the Decatur County Training School, having held this position for the past seven years, and was reelected for the coming year.

Floyd had an inspiring personality, bringing light and sunshine to all whom he met.

Eula Mae Kindle, Cleary, daughter of the late Bevel Kindle and Ida Kindle, Pettigrew, was born August 22, 1899 and met her demise in the Hardin County Hospital, Savannah, Tennessee August 29, 1975. Age 76 years, 7 days.

Her childhood and young years were spent in Decatur County, Tennessee. At an early age she confessed a hope in Christ and joined the St. Paul Baptist Church in Decaturville.

In 1922 she was united in Holy matrimony to Earnest Cleary, who preceded her in death.

For many years she has been a resident of Saltillo, Tenn. endearing herself in the community as a loving person, a good neighbor and a christian woman.

She endured an extended illness, but was patient, loving and kind amid it all.

Sharon married Walter Wordlaw. They have two children, ShaTasha and Jason. She has another son. Sohn—Robert. Jacqueline married Eric Whitaker. They have four children. Michael, Andrew, Jacquice, and Eric. Peggy married Clint Anderson. They have two children,. Joshua and Princess. David has one son. David Jr. Darrell is married to the former Cynthia Hines. He has a daughter, Angela. Michael is married to the former Rita Dunlap. They have two children, Ken and Nicole. Nathaniel married the former Patty Miller. They have three children. Natalie, Nicole, and Steven. Nathaniel has another son, Nathaniel III. Anthony married the former Leslie Lee. They have one daughter, Valarie. He has another son, Jules.

Anna Bell Crowder was born February 13, 1880 to the union of Samuel and Lucy Holt. The fourth child of five children, she was raised in Holtsville, Tennessee, attended and later taught in the Pubic School of Holtsville and Decatursville.

On December 25, 1900 she was joined in wedlock to David C. Crowder. This union was blessed with three sons, Ulus C., Rolland M., and Guy Crowder, all of Chicago.

Sister Crowder was baptized into the Church of Christ at an early age, and was a devout Christian.

After the death of her beloved husband, she moved to Chicago. In Jan. 1944 she placed her membership with the Michigan Avenue Church of Christ under the leadership of the late Levi Kennedy.

She was a faithful Christian, a loving mother and always ready to render a needed service.

After doing all they could for their mother in the home and in and out of the hospital, she was admitted to the First Church of Deliverance Nursing Home on February 10, 1971 by her sons because of the proper care they knew she would receive.

Sister Anna Bell Crowder departed this life Tuesday, January 2, 1972 at 5:00 A.M. She leaves to mourn her passing one sister, Mrs. Lula Young of Savannah, Tennessee. Three sons, and their wives, four nieces, five nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

On Sunday morning, 3:30 a.m., August 19, 1979 the death angel visited Mr. James R. Doyal and winged his soul away to an unknown world, where there will be no sorrow, sickness or death. James Ronald was born in Decatur County, Parsons, Tennessee, August 14, 1949. He attended the public schools of Decatur County. He made his home with his grandmother while in Decatur County, later he moved to Chicago, and made his home with his mother, he completed high school in Chicago. James Ronald joined the United States Navy, and served his country well. Upon being discharged from the navy, he returned to Chicago. James was loved by everyone, he will be sadly missed by relatives and friends.

Michael was born in Caruthersville, Missouri, December 26, 1960, and died June 2, 1979, making his stay on earth 18 years, 5 months, and 25 days. He departed this life at the Madison County General Hospital, Jackson, Tennessee, after being injured June 1, 1979. At an early age he united with the Freedman Chapel A.M.E. Church, Decaturville, Tennessee. He served well in every department of the church and was member of the choir at the time of his untimely death. His kindness and smile will always be remembered by all that knew him. No stranger was ever at his door, for there was love for everyone. He will be sadly missed by all of his relatives and friends.

Michael was a May 1979 graduate of Riverside High School, Parsons, Tennessee.

God created Sally and designed her life. Sally was born July 8, 1925 to the late Burmah J. and Earnest Tole. She departed this life Wednesday, November 22, 1995 at 12:12 p.m. at Akron City Hospital in Akron, Oh.

She accepted Christ at an early age at Freedman Chapel AME Church in Decaturville, Tn. She attended Decatur County Training School, later moving to Akron, Oh. She worked for Ross McDowell Cleaners for several years. She served with Arlington Church of God under the leadership of Rev. Fowler. Sally was known for her meek personality and kind ways. Sally was loved by all and she will be dearly missed.

She leaves to cherish her memory one son: Elwin L. Townsend of Akron, Oh.; two daughters: Rosetta Townsend of Akron, Ohio and Clarise Brown of Atlanta, Ga.; two sisters: Annie B. Robinson of Akron, Oh. and Lacula Tole of Decaturville, Tn.; two brothers: Earnest H. Tole of Decaturville, Tn., and Elmer L. Tole of Lexington, Tn.; one aunt Irene White of South Bend, In.; one uncle- Mr. Mitchel1 Pettigrew of South Bend, In.; one sister-in-law: Novella Tole of Milwaukee, Wis.; 11 grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Death claimed Mrs. Ruth S. Kizer Saturday, November 3, 1984 at the Decatur County General Hospital at 78 years of age. She passed from one plateau of life to await the resurrection of the next. She was born September 5, 1906 in Perryville, Tn., to the parentage of the late Cletus and Esther Scott.

She professed faith in Christ at an early age with the church at Perryville, Tn., she later moved her membership to St. Mark A.M.E. Church at Parsons, Tn., after moving her home there. She was a devoted member of the Church where she served for years as Church Secretary, Stewardess, Supt. of Sunday School, and Class Leader.

She was a retired employee of Slant & Slant Corporat ion of Parson, Tn.

Mrs. Kizer, was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Mr. Daniel (Bunk) Kizer of Lexington, Tn. To be the biological mother of none, she was the mother of many. But to them all she was ‘Mama Ruth".

She leaves to cherish her memories: four daughters, Mrs. Joyce Webster and Ms. Alma J. Scott of Parsons, Tn., Mrs. Linda Arnold of Lexington, Tn. and Mrs. Sonya Kaye Twyman of Ocean Side, CA.; one son, Mr. Lynn Ray Scott of Tacoma, WA; one foster son, Mr. Charles West of Michigan City, Ind.; two sisters, Mrs. Drucilla Houssel of Milan, Tn. and Mrs. Alma Taylor of Binghamton, NY; one brother, Mr.W. C. Scott of Detroit, Mich.; twelve grandchildren, two great grandchildren, fifteen neices, thirteen nephews, fourteen great neices, nine great nephews, two great great neices, two great great nephews; and a host of other relatives and many dear friends.

Yet time cannot steal the treasures that we carry in our hearts, though death comes at all seasons, and to all ages without a summons, but floats unseen on the breeze.

Thus it came June 10, 1973 at 4 p.m. at the Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio. He was born in Decaturvilie, Tennessee, March 5, 1952. He was loved by everyone. He was the son of Mrs. Mary Sue Walker and the late Mr. Ernest Pettigrew.

He professed a hope in Christ at an early age and united with Freeman Chapel A.M.E. Church in Decaturville, Tenn.

He was united in holy wedlock to Miss Burmah Ray Pettigrew of Decaturvile, Tennessee, May 24, 1971. To this union a son was born, Baby Earnest Lemonte McCiain.

On Wednesday morning Sept. 23, the guardian angels came down from heaven and visited the Veterans Hospital n Nashville, Tennessee, and kindly sealed, the lips of Mr. Herbert Montgomery. His soul took flight to an unknown world, where there will be no more pain, no more tears shed because after 39 years of long suffering he gladly accepted the call.

Mr. Montgomery was born in Decatur County Jan. 5, 1896. He was the son of Mr. Charlie Montgomery and the late Miggie Broady Montgomery. At an early age he was converted and joined the Howard Chapel Methodist Church.

Mr. Montgomery was a veteran of World War I, he performed his active duty in France and Germany. He was wounded in action Sept. 9, 1918.

He was happily married to Miss Pauline Scott of Decaturville in 1922. To this union two children were born, Jessie Lee who died in infancy and Maxcine who lived to be 9 years of age.

In 1923 he united with Freedman’s Chapel Church which he attended long as is health permitted.

Mr. Montgomery was loved by every one whom he came in contact. He will be sadly missed in the community in which he lived. He was highly respected by all citizens of Decaturville for his honesty.

On Friday morning, November 10, 1978, the guardian angel came down from Heaven and visited the Veterans Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee and kindly sealed the lips of Mr. R. T. Montgomery. His soul took flight to an unknown world, where there will be no more pains, no tears, because he was prepared and only waiting to hear his master say. My Servant well done come on and join us around the Throne.

R. T. Montgomery, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charley Montgomery was born in Decatur County, Decaturville, Tennessee, September 6, 1918, where he grew up and spent the remainder of his days. His life was blessed with care of loved ones and friends.

He was united in holy matrimony with Miss Novella McElrath in the year 1942. This union was blessed with six children, 3 sons and 3 daughters, one daughter preceded him in death.

Early in life he professed a hope in Christ and united with Freeman Chapel A.M.E. Church where he served faithfully during his active years and kept the faith until the master said "Well done."

Mr. Montgomery was a veteran of World War II. He performed his active duty in the South Pacific and returned home safely.

He was honored and respected by all with whom he came in contact, he was a lover of home. His favorite songs which he would sing every day was "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and "Precious Lord Take My Hand."